Moving from Amarillo, TX to Wichita, KS
Moving from Amarillo, TX to Wichita, KS covers 385 mi and about 7h 13m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
385 mi · 7h 13m by car · KS → OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 60, US 412, I 35 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Wichita | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.82 | 88.946 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.474 | 88.459 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.38 | 66.245 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Wichita and Amarillo is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values in Amarillo and Wichita are within 5% of each other ($206,787 vs $202,720 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Wichita +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Amarillo | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 12.7" |
| Annual precipitation | — | 34.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Amarillo (56.9°F) and Wichita (57.7°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Wichita averages 12.7 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, WICHITA, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 396,488 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $63,072 |
| Median age | 35 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.52 |
Median household incomes in Amarillo ($62,469) and Wichita ($63,072) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Wichita MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 36,200 | $38,160 |
| Production Occupations | 30,560 | $49,520 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 26,850 | $27,770 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 25,880 | $31,600 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 23,580 | $37,870 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Kansas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Kansas's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Wichita averages 12.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Wichita average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June — identify a safe room or interior space in the new home on day one.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Kansas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Wichita, KS from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 385 mi and the route typically takes 7h 13m via US 60 and US 412. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Wichita compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $202,720 in Wichita vs $206,787 in Amarillo — a 2.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Wichita compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,790 in the Wichita MSA vs $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA, on total employment of 303,910 and 120,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Amarillo vs Wichita?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,072 in Wichita vs $62,469 in Amarillo — a 1.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Wichita more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wichita is 3.1% lower than Amarillo (88.946 vs 91.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Amarillo to Wichita?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 385 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Amarillo.
City profiles: Amarillo, TX · Wichita, KS.